The best coffee maker in 2025

A selection of the best coffee makers we tested
(Image credit: Future / Millie Fender)

Choosing the best coffee maker is a daunting task, but I have distilled Tom's Guide's 75 coffee maker reviews and my 5 years of reviewing experience into one guide to try and do just that.

The first thing you should know before you scroll is that there is no easy answer. There's certainly no one best coffee maker on the market. So I've curated the next-best thing: an editor-vetted list of tried-and-tested coffee makers to help every shopper identify the right option for them.

What sort of coffee expert would I be if I didn't have the very best coffee maker in my own kitchen? My top pick is the formidable Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker, which brews some of the tastiest coffee imaginable and does so while looking great and making your user experience as straightforward as possible. When I'm lucky enough to have my pick of the lot, it should tell you everything you need to know that this is the coffee maker I have in my own kitchen.

For people who prefer espresso-based drinks, I have two top recommendations. If you're looking for a single-serve, I'd suggest the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, which is versatile and easy to use. Alternatively, level-up your coffee with a true espresso machine, such as the Ninja Luxe Café, which is one of the most exciting recent coffee releases and, according to our testing, lives up to the hype.

The quick list

Best coffee maker for most people

The best drip coffee maker we tested

Specifications

Type: Drip coffee
Size: 8 x 8 x 12 inches
Milk frother: No
Price bracket: Mid-high

Reasons to buy

+
Attractive design that looks great with other Fellow gadgets
+
Makes amazing coffee
+
Offers bespoke brewing guidance
+
Immense temperature stability
+
Sealed, steam-free brewing chamber
+
Double-walled carafe retains heat well

Reasons to avoid

-
Interface is a little finicky
-
Construction is flimsy in places

The Fellow Aiden is the pride and joy of my kitchen. I truly don't know what I would do without it. I once thought pre-programmed brewing was a gimmick, but that was before I tried the Aiden which allows me to add my recipe to the basket before going to bed, set my desired brewing time, and wake up to a perfectly-brewed cup of black coffee. This machine turned me from an espresso aficionado to a drip coffee convert, and it did so by showing just how good drip coffee can taste when you give it the same care that you'd give an espresso.

Aiden will tell you the right volume of grounds to add for your desired brew size, depending on the roast of your beans. Really into coffee? You can download tailored recipes for Fellow Drop beans and download bespoke brewing cycles to your machine to ensure you're drinking your coffee as the roaster intended. I like that you can pair this machine with an app, but it's good that this is not an essential part of the brewing experience. I started testing it before the app was fully functional, and I still had a great time testing and tasting using just manual controls.

Considering how small the control screen is, you can still choose from a huge range of profiles and settings with just the manual settings, including cold brew and single-cups all the way up to 12-cup carafes. Note that the carafe is not heated with this machine: Fellow says this leads to a decreased flavor profile. If you simply want a piping hot cup though, this could be annoying, as the carafe only keeps the coffee hot for about 4 hours.

The downside, if I had to pick one, is that the construction feels a little wobbly in places, especially compared to my Fellow Ode grinder which is so sturdy I don't think I could break it if I tried.

Read our full Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker review.

Best budget drip coffee maker

Best drip coffee maker on a budget

Specifications

Type: Drip coffee maker
Dimensions: 7.1 x 13 x 15 inches
Milk frother: No
Price bracket: Low

Reasons to buy

+
Brews single cups or multi-serving carafes
+
Rich, well-balanced hot coffee
+
Makes flavorful iced coffee
+
Golden Cup SCA certification
+
Flip-down mug holder
+
Adjustable shut-off time for warming plate

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited carafe brew sizes
-
Hard to clean inside carafe

Braun's MultiServe Plus Coffee Maker isn't shiny and new, and it doesn't have the prestige of options like Moccamaster and Fellow, but it does make a consistently fantastic cup of coffee. Better yet, it does so on a budget.

This coffee maker is SCA-certified, meaning it's been given the go-ahead by the Specialty Coffee Association as meeting their high standards for quality brews. When brewing, you can make everything from a 5 ounce coffee and a full 10-cup carafe. There are also four pre-set brewing cycles: Gold, Bold, Cold Brew, and Over Ice.

Reviewer Camryn found that the 5-cup setting was ideal for brewing a large mug for her and her husband each morning, but she would've liked a setting that sits between a half carafe and a full carafe to give them enough for two servings each, without lots of leftover coffee.

However, when it came to flavor, Camryn had a hard time finding fault with this machine. Brews are rich and full of juicy flavor, without any lingering bitterness that you can often find with low quality drip coffee makers. When it came to the over ice setting, she was pleasantly surprised that the coffee didn't taste watered-down, as so many over ice coffees do. Instead, it rivalled the taste of the cold brew at her local coffee shop.

You may want a more compact option than the Braun, which does sit quite wide on a kitchen counter. But at under $150, it's the best value option in this guide by a country mile.

Read our full Braun MultiServe Plus Coffee Maker review

Best budget espresso machine

The ultimate entry-level espresso machine

Specifications

Type: Espresso
Size: 7.6 x 14.2 x 11.9 inches
Milk frother: Yes, automatic and manual
Price bracket: Low-Mid

Reasons to buy

+
Makes great espresso
+
Steaming is easy, and automatic function actually works
+
Super compact and looks an absolute treat
+
Auto-purge function

Reasons to avoid

-
Group handle can be fiddly
-
Limited steam wand movement

The Breville Bambino Plus has been on the market for 7 years, but it's still one of the most popular espresso machines ever released. If you're based in Europe (like me) you'll know this brand as Sage, but the machines are otherwise the same.

With groundbreaking automatic steaming technology, which is still top of the line nearly a decade later, this is the espresso machine for you if you're in the market for an entry-level machine with some serious power.

We made some outstanding shots of espresso with this gadget. I'm talking drool-worthy toffee-colored strands of crema and a vibrant extraction that tasted fantastic. You should note, this machine doesn't have a grinder built-in.

You'll want to pair it with one of the best coffee grinders (you can buy a good one for around $100, and our reviews walk you through all the options) for the ideal espresso, but if you use a double-walled portafilter you can still achieve a lively brew when using pre-ground coffee.

As for the automatic milk steaming, this thing can achieve a very fine microfoam that's totally latte art-worthy, completely hands-free. And it automatically purges after each use, which will keep the steam wand clog-free and running smoothly (so long as you descale regularly).

Read our full Breville / Sage Bambino Plus review.

Best traditional drip coffee maker

An iconic drip coffee maker that's a classic for a reason

Specifications

Type: Drip coffee
Size: 14 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches
Milk frother: No
Price bracket: Mid-high

Reasons to buy

+
Straightforward controls
+
Innovative technology
+
Brews coffee quickly
+
5-year warranty and lifetime repairs

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for what it offers
-
Lacks convenience features
-
Polarizing design

The Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select has been in this buying guide for well over three years, and for good reason. While this model was first released in 2019, it is hand-made in the Netherlands by Moccamaster, an iconic European coffee brand that has a well-deserved reputation for quality of construction and dependable results.

Compared to the Fellow Aiden, this machine is incredibly low-tech. You simply add your water to the tank and your grounds to the filter, and switch it on. However, it's this simplicity that has earned special recognition from the Specialty Coffee Association. When it comes to crafting consistent coffee, removing as many variables as possible will be the best approach for beginners or those who are time-poor.

The KBGV Select can hit industry standard temperatures of (196°F – 205°F) in under a minute and, crucially, stay there throughout the entire brewing process. The gentle showerhead-style water dispenser will evenly agitate coffee grounds to create a balanced extraction without the sort of flooding or dry dripping that will lead to a muddy or watery cup of coffee. And unlike the Aiden, you get a heated carafe base with this machine. Now, Fellow will tell you (rightly) that this leads to a degrated coffee flavor, but the benefit of a consisently hot carafe of coffee could well outweigh this priority for a lot of users.

You're paying for the build quality with this coffee maker, but its long-standing position in this guide should attest to its main benefit: it's built to last.

Read our full Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select review.

Best single serve coffee maker

Best single-serve coffee maker

Specifications

Type: Single-serve
Dimensions: 16"D x 7.5"W x 12.4"H
Milk frother: Yes
Price bracket: Mid-high

Reasons to buy

+
Neat design
+
Easy to use and clean
+
Fantastic milk steaming
+
Adjustable stand for different drinks
+
Makes a huge range of drinks

Reasons to avoid

-
Waste bin fills fast
-
Water tank needs regular refills
-
Quite expensive

If you want a single-serve coffee maker that can truly do it all, you should look no further than the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima. Featuring a separate milk dispenser that offers milk-only drinks and two lengths of milk add-ins to any coffee size you opt for, the beauty of this machine is in its simplicity.

You can simply store the milk dispenser in the refrigerator when it's not in use, and you'll get the joys of the entirety of Nespresso's six-size Vertuo system if you prefer a long black coffee or an espresso to start the day.

We enjoyed the thoughtful touches such as an adjustable cup holder to work with any beverage size, and the ability to rinse out the milk dispenser after each use. We did wish that there were more than one milk froth levels available, because if you prefer a more firm layer to make an espresso or a softer latte-style steamed milk, you won't be able to adjust this using the Nespresso.

Because this machine is part of the Vertuo line it will automatically brew the optimum drink length for each drink and you can enjoy an ever-evolving list of capsules to mix up your routine. We even tried a cold-brew capsule, which was impressively realistic.

Read our full Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima review

Best automatic espresso machine

Ninja's first espresso machine lives up to the hype

Specifications

Type: Espresso machine
Dimensions: 12.99 in L x 13.39 in W x 14.57 in H
Milk frother: Yes
Price bracket: Mid-high

Reasons to buy

+
It's not cheap, but you get a lot for your money
+
It's super user-friendly
+
Comes with handy in-built gadget storage
+
Can make everything from drip coffee to cold brew

Reasons to avoid

-
Espresso puritans may not love the assisted design
-
Lacks features such as in-built tamping arm and pressure gauge 

Released in September 2024, Ninja proved it can hold its own in the espresso machine market with the Ninja Luxe Café. This espresso machine isn't cheap, but for a model of its caliber, it's pretty reasonably priced. For under $600, you'll get the ability to make double espressos (no singles, for some reason), cold espresso, cold brew, drip coffee, and a whole host of assisted milk steaming settings.

New from Ninja

Ninja, I can't keep up! The brand just announced its new Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee maker, which features in-built tamping and enhanced tea capabilities. It's also $150 more than the OG. I'm first in line to review it, promise.

This machine does a lot of the hard work for you, including suggesting your grind settings, and steaming the milk for you using a whisk built into the base of its jug. In other words, while it looks like several iconic bean-to-cup coffee makers, its assisted features make it more suited to beginners, and could run the risk of being annoying to those who actually prefer to hand-steam their milk and adjust their bean settings based on taste or pressure. There's no pressure gauge, limiting users from getting too technical, but some people don't want that. What you really want is a great-tasting coffee, and there's no denying that the Ninja can deliver on this front.

Our tester Camryn reported that this is the most user-friendly machine she's ever tried, and she's tried a lot. Her espresso was rich and evenly extracted, milk never burnt (even plant milk, thanks to the pre-set options), and drip coffee fruity and fuss-free. We're continuing to test this one, but suffice to say, we're impressed.

Read our full Ninja Luxe Café review

Best for enthusiasts

The Smeg Mini Pro is a ideal for espresso enthusiasts

Specifications

Type: Espresso
Size: 14.2 x 8.7 x 17 inches
Milk frother: Yes
Price bracket: High

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful steam wand
+
Extracts delicious, layered espresso
+
Comes with a huge 6 portafilters
+
Looks delightful
+
Can jump from espresso to steam wand in seconds

Reasons to avoid

-
An expensive option
-
The group head gets extremely hot

The Smeg EMC02 Mini Pro Manual Espresso Machine is the first collaboration between Italian kitchenware brand Smeg and Italian coffee brand La Pavoni. La Pavoni actually invented espresso back in 1905, so Erin had high hopes when she took this machine for a spin. And fortunately, it delivered.

Erin is a former barista and espresso enthusiast, and she loves a machine that lets her get into the nitty gritty of brewing without needless intervention. She knows her stuff, and if you do too, the Smeg EMC02 Mini Pro Manual Espresso Machine could be the best machine for you.

This is, at its heart, a manual espresso machine. You can pull a lever (the old fasioned way) to manually control your extraction for that perfect ratio, or you can simply press the single or double shot button for a more hands-off approach. With a little trial and error, Erin made a range of "utterly divine" espressos. And the testing team was amazed, too, calling her cappuccinos the "best she's ever made". Which, considering how many espresso machines Erin has tested, is high praise indeed.

If, like Erin, you know your arabica from your robusta and want a powerful, smart-looking and hands-on espresso machine, this could be the choice for you. And while its price isn't low, I think it's not bad for how capable and professional-specced this option is.

Read our full SMEG EMC02 Mini Pro Manual Espresso Machine review.

Best compact drip coffee maker

No fuss, great coffee

Specifications

Type: Drip
Size: 13.5 x 10.5 x 7 inches
Milk frother: No
Price bracket: Low-Mid

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely easy to use
+
Single cup or carafe brewing
+
Consistently good coffee
+
Thermal carafe
+
SCA certification
+
Compact size

Reasons to avoid

-
Water tank isn’t removable
-
Not programmable

Sometimes, simple is better. The OXO Brew 8-Cup is one such machine. It's shy on buttons and limited on features, but this machine undeniably makes tasty coffee, and it's SCA-Certified to prove it.

You can brew either 2-4 cups or 5-8 cups with the OXO Brew. It simply requires you to fill up the water tank to your desired cup amount, load up a filter and coffee grounds, then hit start. There's beauty in the simplicity, though. Its rainshower distribution ensures that grounds are soaked evenly and consistently before extraction, meaning you won't be left with anaemic or muddy coffee, and your coffee will never taste burnt from uncontrolled water temperatures.

Another plus is the double-walled carafe. This will keep your brew hot for a couple of hours, making it ideal for busy households. Reviewer Camryn's only complaint wsa the water tank, which can't be removed. That's annoying, but it's nothing a jug can't fix. While it's not an expensive machine, you could buy the much more capable (and also SCA-Certified) Braun MultiServe for less, which is why the OXO doesn't sit higher in this guide.

Read our full OXO Brew 8-Cup review.

Best superautomatic coffee maker

The easiest way to make good coffee

Specifications

Type: Espresso machine
Dimensions: 18.5 x 10.2 x 14.3 inches
Milk frother: Yes
Price bracket: High

Reasons to buy

+
Hands-free, user-specific brewing
+
Very easy to use and set up 
+
Looks lovely
+
One of the speediest machines we've tried

Reasons to avoid

-
It's super expensive
-
You can't get up close and personal

Another newcomer to the world of espresso machines, the KitchenAid KF8 lives up to its appliance pedigree. It was tested by ex-barista, current product reviewer Erin, who enjoys getting involved in every element of the brewing process and loved the KF8's baby sister, the KitchenAid Semi Automatic. That's in this guide too, but the KF8 is higher because, in my experience, coffee newcomers really enjoy bean-to-cup machines which grind, tamp and brew with the touch of a button, and even steam milk automatically. And the KF8 does that beautifully.

This machine is far from cheap, but it's really well-made. It's best compared to the likes of the Philips 3200, which used to feature in this guide until the KitchenAid ousted it. This machine simply makes a brilliant coffee with absolutely no room for error. Our espresso was frothy and lively, comparable to the sort of espresso you'd have to really work to get out of an entry-level espresso machine, and it also made brilliant long drinks like Americano.

The milk frother can't be compared to the steam wand market because it creates that heat and texture using a carafe, like 99% of superautomatic machines. You can get really good milk using this method, but you won't be able to experiment with latte art or get that fine level of control you might want if you really like your flat whites and lattes.

Read our full KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine review

Best for batch brewing

A super-smart batch brewer that's powered by AI

Specifications

Type: Drip coffee
Dimensions: 16.4 H x 7.5 W x 12.3D
Milk frother: No
Price bracket: Mid

Reasons to buy

+
Brews rich, flavorful coffee
+
Carafe or single-cup brewing
+
Extra-large water reservoir
+
SCA Certified

Reasons to avoid

-
Small bean hopper
-
Hard to slot reservoir into place

GE's new Profile Smart Grind & Brew coffee maker is packed with SCA-certified smarts such as app compatibility and even an in-built grinder. It's the sort of tech that can justify the $300+ price tag, but even on taste alone, we recommend this machine for replicating some of the best brews you can typically only make with a V60 pour-over.

By allowing you to select from different brewing recipes depending on your desired strength, the types of beans you're using, and your specific grind size, this machine is a shortcut to a guaranteed good brew. You can adjust the length and time of different pulses and bloom cycles when brewing, meaning you'll be extracting the best of each and every ground, if you want to get into the nitty gritty details. And if not? This machine is designed to make tasty coffee easier to attain.

The downside? It's a similar price to our top pick, the Fellow Aiden, and makes a similar but less smart offering. If you simply don't like the look of the Fellow Aiden or would prefer a more compact alternative though, the GE is an excellent option.

Read our full GE Profile Smart Grind & Brew review

Best manual espresso machine

Best manual espresso machine

Specifications

Type: Manual Espresso
Dimensions: 14.9 x 14.6 x 17.5 inches
Milk frother: Yes
Price bracket: Mid-high

Reasons to buy

+
Varied grind sizes
+
Customizable dosage and smart tamper
+
Thick crema with single-walled portafilter baskets
+
Powerful steam wand
+
Espresso, hot or cold

Reasons to avoid

-
Steam wand is low-lying

De'Longhi makes brilliant espresso machines, so it was no surprise to me when our resident reviewer (and former barista) Erin became very attached to it after a few weeks of testing. To date, it's her favorite coffee maker that she's tested for Tom's Guide, and she's tested a lot! What this should tell you if that if you have the basics of espresso down and are willing to learn the art of steaming milk and the various skills that go into assessing the right grind size and tamping pressure to make good espresso, you can make some truly excellent coffee in this machine.

Erin didn't have many complaints, but she did note that the steam wand is a little low-lying, so there's not a huge amount of clearance which can take some getting used to. This machine is also far from cheap, but it's the sort of money you should be prepared to spend on a quality manual espresso maker. It comes with the ability to make cold brew, too, which is something you won't find in many leading espresso machines.

Read our full De’Longhi La Specialista Opera review.

How I test the best coffee makers

Our testers

Curated by
millie fender author headshot
Curated by
Millie Fender

I've been reviewing coffee makers for nearly five years at a range of leading review publications including TopTenReviews, Homes&Gardens, Real Homes, Livingetc, and Ideal Home.

My interest in coffee first started when I worked as a barista at university, but I've since learned all about the art of a good cup of joe through a lot of taste testing and trips to the De'Longhi factory in Treviso, Italy, and a coffee tour of Naples with Sage.

I'm also a qualified barista after completing an SCA course with the London School of Coffee.

Reviewed by
A headshot of Tom's Guide staff writer Erin Bashford.
Reviewed by
Erin Bashford

I joined Tom's Guide in 2024 on the product reviews team. While I test everything from keyboards to vacuum cleaners, I'm also a former barista with years and years of experience, which is why I'm Tom's Guide's go-to coffee maker tester.

I've tested a number of leading espresso machines from Smeg and KitchenAid, as well as other brewing methods such as the AeroPress. I've also been down to Smeg and La Pavoni HQ to get hands-on with some high-tech gear.

Reviewed by
Camryn Rabideau freelance author image
Reviewed by
Mike Prospero

I'm Camryn, a freelance product reviewer based in Rhode Island.

I've tested dozens of coffee makers, from Keurig to De'Longhi, and I love nothing more than a strong and simple cup of drip coffee. Over ice, if I'm feeling fancy.

When testing, I get my husband involved and work machines into our routines for at least a couple of weeks. This allows me to experiement with the machine's various quirks, and see what it'll be like for buyers to use it on a daily basis.

My testing criteria

At the end of the day, the most important sign of a good coffee maker is in that all-important taste test. So it goes without saying that I taste a lot of coffee when putting together my coffee maker reviews. However, there are endless factors that can determine the flavor of your finished coffee, so there are some metrics I need to consider (and keep consistent) when testing coffee makers and curating buying guides.

Unboxing

The most sustainable choice you can make when buying a new coffee maker is opting for a machine that will last for years and years. That said, it's a good sign when a coffee maker comes in recyclable, sustainable packaging that still keeps it secure during shipping, so I'm always looking out for this when evaluating my first impressions of a product.

Setup

In my experience, a more drawn-out setup process can be worth the extra hassle. Some coffee makers have a water hardness strip included to input the limescale level in your water. This test takes a few extra minutes, but inputting this information will ensure the machine reminds you to descale it as and when needed to prolong its lifespan.

If a coffee maker comes with an app or any bespoke programming such as personalized profiles or pre-set timers, we troubleshoot this in testing to make sure you're getting an easy-to-use machine from the very first use.

Price

Coffee makers don't have to be expensive — especially if you're buying a single-serve or drip coffee maker, but it's often the case that you get what you pay for with coffee makers. When testing I evaluate if this is the case. Does a $1,000+ coffee maker really warrant the price tag, and most importantly, would I recommend it to a friend or family member who was shopping for a new machine?

Flavor

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Your cup of coffee can only be as good as the grounds you use, so when testing, I try and opt for an accessible consumer blend and stick to this brand across models to ensure that the differences we taste in our coffee come from the quality of the machine, and not the beans.

As a basic rule, I use fresh-roasted arabica beans in every review. This allows the taste and extraction of every coffee to shine through. And while I don't expect that every home tester will be splashing out on Specialty beans, at least this way you know you're getting a machine that can create some seriously tasty coffee if you ever decide to level up from those kilo bags of robusta.

Temperature

Testing temperature of the Moccamaster

(Image credit: Future / Millie Fender)

This is particularly important for drip coffee makers. I test the temperature of each carafe I make when it's first been brewed, and then after one hour, to test the quality of the heating plate on each machine.

If freshly brewed coffee comes out too hot, it's a sign that the machine has scorched the grounds in testing, which will result in a more bitter flavor and is a sign of a poorly-made machine. Likewise, if the coffee is not hot enough, you won't get a fully developed flavor and your coffee will be weak and acidic.

Coffee grinders

The testing I took part in before ranking the best coffee grinders

(Image credit: Future / Millie Fender)

Some coffee makers come with in-built grinders, so I put them through a similar process to our standalone reviews for the best coffee grinders. This involves testing the variety of grind sizes available, and how suitable this is for the type of coffee maker you're using. If your espresso maker's grinder creates great grounds for filter coffee, that's not much help!

I use a coffee sifter called Kruve to see how consistent the coffee grounds are in size and texture, and we also test coffee grinders for static created.

Milk steaming

Delonghi dedica milk steaming

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

If an espresso machine comes with a hand milk steamer, there is an inevitable margin for user error when testing. Fortunately, I have a team of expert testers on-hand who have steamed more than a few lattes in their time, so if they find fault with a steamer, I can confidently say it's a flaw in design.

When steaming milk, I look for a smooth and fine micro-foam that doesn't burn the milk before we're able to get the consistency we want.

Some machines come with automatic frothers, and while it's hard for these to recreate a hand-steaming effect, I look for how easy they are to use and how close they come to the real thing.

Which type of coffee maker should you buy? Check out our guide if you're unsure.

Also tested

At Tom's Guide, we test a lot of coffee makers. It feels like there's always a new innovation to put through its paces, so our testing team can be found reliably caffeinated on any given day.

We return most of the coffee makers we test due to the high value of these machines, but on the occasion that we're allowed to keep one, we continue to test them from home in order to evaluate the value for money over time, and compare our old faithfuls to recent releases.

Not every coffee maker can make the list though. Here are some of the models we've recently tried.

Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced (★★★★☆)

Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced (★★★★☆)

You won't find a Keurig in this guide. Compared to the myriad options on the market, I just couldn't bring myself to recommend this restrictive and bitterly dark-roasted coffee brand to the average shopper. But some people love Keurig, and we've got a dedicated best Keurig coffee maker guide just for those people. The K-Duo Hot & Iced is the winner in that guide, scoring a 4.5-star review.

Read the full Keurig K-Duo Hot & Iced Machine review

Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine (★★★☆☆)

Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine (★★★☆☆)

The Philips Barista Brew is the brand's latest innovation: a semi-automatic machine that features a separate grinder and brewing unit. In testing we were very impressed with the espresso we made in this machine, but the milk steaming was lacking.

Read the full Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine review

Wacaco Minipresso GR2 (★★★★☆)

Wacaco Minipresso GR2 (★★★★☆)

Looking for a truly wireless option? The Wacaco Minipresso GR2 created very realistic espresso using just the pressure that's created by pressing down a valve on the side of the machine. This coffee maker is niche, but ideal for travel, and it's also one of the cheapest and most space-efficient ways of making homemade coffee out there.

Read the full Wacaco Minipresso review

Terra Kaffe TK-02 (★★★★☆)

Terra Kaffe TK-02 (★★★★☆)

This super-smart coffee makers is one of the niftiest and quietest machines we've tested, but the eye-watering price tag means we'd struggle to recommend it to most people. It's certainly one of the most premium appliances we've tested in some time, and ideal for those on a large budget who enjoy a high-tech setup.

Read the full Terra Kaffe TK-02 review

Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single Serve (★★★★☆)

Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single Serve (★★★★☆)

This Cuisinart single-serve coffee maker comes with a K-cup sized filter and a grinder that can refill your reusable filter with freshly ground beans for each use. It's a great, sustainable idea, but in practice a bit fiddly. If you're committed to single-serve but want to keep things sustainable, it's a good option.

Read the full Cuisinart Grind and Brew Single Serve review

Rancilio Silvia (V6)  (★★★☆☆)

Rancilio Silvia (V6) (★★★☆☆)

The Rancilio Silvia is beautiful and well-suited to coffee enthusiasts who want to mod their own machine, but user-friendly it is not. Our reviewer Pete is a real pro, but even he said you'd need to put in a lot of work to get this machine brewing beautiful espressos. It's not bad, but it's not right for the average shopper.

Read the full Rancilio Silvia V6 review

Philips 3200 Series LatteGo  (★★★☆☆)

Philips 3200 Series LatteGo (★★★☆☆)

The Philips 3200 Series LatteGo used to be in this guide, but it was ousted by the KitchenAid KF8 for its superior quality espresso and easy controls. We're currently reviewing Philips' latest LatteGo machine though, so this line could make a comeback.

Read the full Philips 3200 Series LatteGo review

Instant Cold Brewer (★★★★☆)

Instant Cold Brewer (★★★★☆)

The Instant Cold Brewer is not a bad cold brewer, but for most people, we don't think it's what you came to this guide hoping to find. It's exclusively designed to make cold brew fast, and if that's what you want there are machines in this guide that do that, as well as brewing espresso and steaming milk.

Read the full Instant Cold Brewer review

Coffee maker FAQ

How to choose the best coffee maker for you

There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning, so if you’re looking to invest in a new coffee maker, you’ll want one that makes the ideal brew, provides the functionality and practicality you desire and comes in on budget. Here are a few things you’ll need to think about.

Will it fit?
A coffee maker sits on the countertop, so measure the space where you plan to keep the machine before you buy one. Be sure to determine the clearance between the countertop and the bottom of your cabinets. Most, but not all coffee makers will fit under a cabinet.

Coffee quality
If you're passionate about coffee, look for a brewer that says it meets the Specialty Coffee Association's Golden Cup Standard. This means the coffee brews at what is regarded as the perfect time and temperature for the best cup of Joe. But be aware that this standard calls for using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for each 5-ounce cup, which produces a very full-bodied, strong cup of coffee that is not to everyone's taste.

Check out 7 surprising ways you can reuse old coffee grounds.

L'OR Barista System

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Cup size
Keep in mind that coffee-maker cups are the equivalent of 5 ounces, or an old-fashioned teacup that isn't filled to the brim, leaving room for milk. Most coffee mugs in use today hold upward of 8 ounces. Therefore, a typical 12-cup coffee maker brews enough coffee for about seven mugs at the most.

What kind of carafe?
Models with thermal carafes tend to be more expensive than those with glass carafes. You can bring thermal carafes to the table, where they'll keep coffee hot for refills. However, these carafes have narrow openings that are difficult to hand-wash, and most can't be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, thermal carafes are beneficial if you drink coffee throughout the day.

Milk frother
If you prefer your coffee straight, you won’t be concerned about the milk frother option, although do consider that other household members or guests may prefer their coffee served with a smooth froth. Having a milk frother combined will also save you the issue of having a separate appliance on the countertop, taking up space.

Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus sitting on kitchen counter

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Paper or permanent filters? Decide if you want to use a permanent filter or paper, disposable ones. Permanent filters are better for the environment, and you don't have to constantly replace them, but they do need to be thoroughly washed by hand and they tend to stain. Also, it's easier to toss paper filters in the trash than knock grounds out of a metal filter. You may also find that the taste of the coffee produced differs depending on filter type and that you prefer one over the other.

Do you want to set it and forget it? With many machines, you can program them ahead of time to brew in the morning or right before you get home, and you can even set them to brew at the same time every day. But such features add to the price and work only if you take the time to read the manual and figure out how to use the setting.

Want your coffee to-go? We've tested the best travel coffee mugs.

Millie Fender
Managing Editor, Homes

Millie is the Managing Editor of Homes at Tom's Guide. She's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners.

With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie hasn't tested. She's traveled the world reporting on the latest home innovations and product launches, learning how to use pizza ovens from Pizzaiolos in Naples, and touring the De'Longhi factory in Venice. Millie is also an SCA-Certified barista.

When she's not reporting on home and appliance trends, Millie loves watching live music. She's currently learning the guitar - naturally, she plays a Fender.